Name - Hakeem Idn'Abihi
A second name meaning 'Son of none'.
Age - 48
Gender - Male
Hometown - Trespa City
Dragon Name - Veshna
Dragon Gender - Female
Dragon Species - Regeneration Dragon
Appearance
Hakeem has a very sturdy and tall frame, wide shoulders and strong muscular arms. His whole body is corded with defined musculature and his skin has a dark tanned pigment to it, rough and leathery to the touch after so long in the heat of the desert sands. Strange ink-black tattoos covered his torso and some continue down to his ankles and wrists. Also covering his body are various long lacerations and scars from curved weapons and some puncture like scars from various types of spears, daggers or arrows. He is usually seen in thick black robes, easy to move in while giving some protection.
Personality
Chivalrous//Protective//MasculineHakeem is very easily the picture of knightly chivalry and conduct. His opinions tend towards protection and nurturing, defending those weaker than yourself and upholding the stability and security of the law. This does mean he is generally unconsciously sexist, considering it his duty to defend and protect women over men and treating them, not necessarily as weaker, but perhaps frailer and more precious. His view is that although women might be capable of fighting, it is the duty of men to ensure they do not have to. His has quite stereotypical masculine qualities such as dominance and confidence and a quick and aggressive temper, however he is quite comfortable in himself and doesn't have quite the need to prove himself as other men seem to possess. He is quite content to appear weak or back down from a fight if the situation calls for it, it does not damage his opinion of himself, although he will fight for his honour and the honour of his friends at a moments notice.
Tactical//Wise//ControlledIn the wars Hakeem proved himself to have a tactical and forward-thinking mindset. He kept his cool under intense situations and always kept a handle on a situation, no matter how much was going on at once. He would plan for every eventuality, an ambush or a screw up or a discrepancy in information, he would have a counter measure. As he grew older and became the second most powerful General in the whole Country, he became somewhat of an unofficial mentor to the younger, newer leaders and soldiers rising in the ranks. He just naturally has a face to trust and he has a way of letting people tell him of their problems and get them to listen to his advice without infringing upon their self worth or masculinity. A very useful quality in a confidante.
Loving//Charismatic//FlirtatiousAs a young man Hakeem was known for his promiscuity and outrageous flirtatious behaviour. He is very affectionate and warm as a person, however he always had too many responsibilities to the country and to order to let himself properly marry and have a family, his sense of honour not allowing him to put anything above the lives and safety of his family which would not do for a protector of the realm. He has a manner that is easy and that draws others towards him, able to turn from serious to joking very quickly depending upon the situation. Older now, some of his charisma flirting has made way for a slower, more gentle character, but he still enjoys laughing and drinking and making merry to abominable hours of the night. He also still maintains a flirtatious and liberal attitude to the world in general. Nowadays he is more tactile and affectionate with his friends than loud or aggressively cheerful, enjoying warm and comfortable conversation to shouted lurid jokes while intoxicated.
Tough//Dependable//DeterminedHakeem is a survivor and a warrior of the highest callibre. No matter how treacherous or violent his path becomes in life, nor how confusing or conflicted he becomes, he always continues on diligently and bull-headedly until the situation is resolved. You can trust Hakeem to his very core to do his duty, no matter what comes in his way. This quality has earned him quite a few nicknames in his life, but generally his fellows and followers appreciate his tenacity. These qualities apply to his physical characteristics as well, Hakeem having surviving situations which would have had other men blown to pieces. In war he always leads his men in the charge and is the first to strike at a seemingly un-defeatable foe.
History
Hakeem was a very lucky child. As an illegitimate son to a young woman of no particular status, his life could have been expected to be brutal, miserable and short. But as has been said, luck was on his side as the Sultan's own young wife died while birthing his only son and a wet nurse was needed for the new Prince Yusuf. The two boys were born on almost the same day, though Hakeem was a few days older, and a search of the Palace was done for women with young babies. Lyria was found, a lowly maid in the palace, and taken to both feed and nurture the baby Prince Yusuf, given a comfortable life in exchange for the service and a place of importance promised to her son. Sultan Adhram saw the use in having a boy raised beside the prince and dedicated some time in Hakeem's education and upbringing, impressing on him the importance of protecting and serving the prince as his confidante and friend. Luckily the two boys grew up to be birds of a feather, inseparable from the first and loyal to each other through everything.
Growing up changed little in their relationship. As young men Hakeem and Yusuf fueled each other's enthusiasm and confidence, making their mistakes together and sharing in the punishments for tricks or disobediences while also sharing in the successes of every endeavour. They also trained together, sparring with each other religiously using both swords and minds, always endeavouring to be the better fighter or thinker and pushing each other to the limits with every match. This meant that they swiftly grew in prowess, something the Sultan was especially pleased with. However this section of their lives differentiated the two from each other in terms of personality. Hakeem became a more responsible and thoughtful individual in order to cope with Yusuf's increasingly reckless and excitable behaviour and he took a more reasoning role in their antics, dissuading Yusuf from his more stupid and dangerous schemes.
This was as the Sultan had intended and soon enough Yusuf also matured in mind, becoming the noble and valiant prince that everyone had hoped he would be. As men grown they became a force to be reckoned with, Yusuf growing in ability and power day by day as Hakeem matched his ascent with his continuous rise through the ranks of the military. He was very determined to be worthy of the Prince's trust and friendship and to be of use to him throughout his life. Yusuf was gifted control of the Military by the Sultan while Hakeem was still a Captain in its ranks, however the young prince made sure to consult his brother as he began to instill great change in the structure and function of their warring power. Together they overhauled the system, bringing new purpose and stability to a once prejudiced and slow army. Where once captains and generals had been chosen for their family status rather than ability, now the obviously clever and tactical thinkers were specially trained for the highest command positions and there was more openness and equality throughout. The Sultan was incredibly proud of his son for the improvements and although Hakeem downplayed his share in the praise, he was still awarded a place amongst the councilmen for his services.
It was around this time that Yusuf was married to a young Princess from the City of Dawn, not necessarily a match of love, however Yusuf had wooed and flirted with her well and she was an agreeable character. They made a good pair, neither one feeling terribly precious about monogamy and both being of great intelligence. Her name was Ellaria and she proved greatly beneficial to Yusuf's image, acting as ambassador to many countries around the continent and very often not being at home, the heat of the savannah after being born in the cold tundra of the north disagreeing with her. Even with her absences though, she managed to bare Yusuf a healthy son only a year into their marriage, named Hakim after his adoptive uncle. Hakeem doted on the child and quickly became a great influence to his growth, Yusuf often being away from home or busy with various Princely duties. Hakim grew into a gentler and more level headed man than his father under his uncles tutorlage. Another interesting occurance in the complex relationship between Yusuf, his wife and Hakeem, happened when Hakeem got Ellaria with child. Nobody was quite sure when it had occurred which said alot about their threesome relationship as a whole but the whole thing became a very non-issue. Yusuf simply took the child as his own, a little baby girl named Sessa, and Hakeem tried to father her as much as he had for Hakim.
The changes to the system that the army followed allowed Hakeem to achieve his highest aspirations and he eventually became one of three highest ranking Generals in the country at the age of thirty two. He became incredibly proactive in keeping the country lawful and safe, leading sorties of men out personally to investigate banditry and exact the law, the common people lauding him for his efforts and the country prospering as a whole. He also dealt firmly with the various lords of the kingdom whom had grown complacent and lax and who did not recognise Yusuf's sovereignty, Hakeem putting down rebellions with swift, aggressive and decisive action. The pair grew in renown and power, together rising further and further in the estimations of the people and the countries neighbouring theirs, some congratulating them while others feared them for their militaristic attitude. This fear was well placed as Yusuf turned his attention to military conquests, knowing that with prosperity came an increase in population and a need for more lands. Hakeem tried to dissuade him from war before one was necessary, concerned with the eagerness for battle his brother seemed to have. However he did not have that great of a hold on the Prince and as the old Sultan began to sicken war seemed to be on the horizon. In fact there were multiple attempts upon Yusuf's life by highly trained assassins sent from concerned countries. Luckily Hakeem managed to repel all five attempts, however upon the last he was severely injured and carries a weakening scar to this day that aches at inopportune moments.
Soon after this, the old Sultan died and Yusuf rose to the throne, so War still seemed close at hand. However it was in this year that a sudden darkness befell the north and spies sent into that area came back either half-dead and muttering nonsense or did not come back at all. Finally this allowed Hakeem to dissuade Yusuf from battle, if enemies were already at their door then it was no use throwing men away in an uneeded conquest when they may be needed elsewhere. Reports finally came from Otamaur and they confirmed their darkest fears. Some great and terrible evil had arisen and its foul creeping malice was spreading irrevocably across the country. The first borders and watchtowers had fallen to dark and fell creatures and though the Country's immense defenses had been mobilised, many were concerned. Hakeem wasted no time, a great uneasiness had fallen upon him about the whole situation and he trusted the instincts he had.
As new Commander of the Military, he mobilised all soldiers, manned every defense post and worked closely with various inventors and engineers to trap and build mechanisms along their borders in weak areas to ensure an invasion could be detected and pushed back long enough for troops to arrive on the battlefield. Yusuf scoffed at his seeming paranoia but humoured him, partly for their friendship and partly because Hakeem's senses had not been wrong yet. Years passed and as more borders fell to the oncoming hoarde, Hakeem and Yusuf rode out together to meet the forces in lands not their own, reinforcing Otamaur's abandoned or empty defences long enough for villages and towns to evacuate and flee the destruction. But no matter how they struggled there was nothing they could do to fully halt the tide. They kept their own spirits falsely high and ensured the Kingdom did not see the despair that they truly felt settling into their hearts.
After more than five years of serious War and strife and the black creatures starting to nip and bite at their own borders, Hakeem was to be found in a lowly Inn, just back from a bloody and repulsive battle, covered in ichor and his hair matted in blood. A man approached him, pale of face and black of hair with a sense of purpose and interest. Now Hakeem was used to assassins approaching in this manner so it was not surprising that he quickly held a dagger to the man's midrift, though hiding the scene so as not to disturb the Inn's patrons. Surprisingly though, this pale-faced man was not there for his life, but to offer him something very different. Merrick, was his name, and though considerably younger than Hakeem, he held himself very proudly with the bearing of a leader of men. After a quiet and quick discussion and a trip outside to look up to the sky and watch as a huge shadow, dragon-like in shape, passed over the night sky, Hakeem was convinced of the truth this man was telling. But he was not so easily convinced away from the defense of his home and family. The stranger promised to wait two days and after some private consideration on Hakeem's part, the Commander of the Trespian Military agreed to resign his duties, forsake his lands and family and friends, and follow this Merrick to his own abode and gods willing, the salvation of them all.
Hakeem took some time to say farewell to his many children and finally to his friend, Sultan Yusuf. There was some anger from him at first, as Hakeem had known there would be, but eventually there was only one thing Yusuf could do and that was trust his friend of 48 years and know that he would not do anything if not for a good and noble reason.
"Go and save us all then, Hakeem Al-Jazari, you were always destined for greater things than I, though it took you until you were an old man to discover what those might be." And there they parted.
Strengths
Battle
Leadership
Willpower
Charisma
Weaknesses
Sexism
Old Wounds
Unsuited for Magic
Abilities
Swords Master
Hakeem is probably one of the greatest swordmasters of his time, having been accustomed to using his large curved blade since he was but a boy of five.
General of War
Hakeem has been a warleader for twenty years. He is no stranger to death and battle. It has become a necessary and usual part of his life.
Horse Master
The Trespian army is made up of varying levels of cavalry and every child learns to ride when they are young. Hakeem has always had some good manner with animals and riding is a skill he takes pride in.
Hawk Master
Hawking was also a skill that many Trespians train to use. Hunting becomes very easy when you have a bird of prey to do it for you.
Diplomat
Hakeem has quite a good manner with people and although he might seem blunt, his straightforward way of expressing a situation often makes people more likely to trust him and agree with his point of view.
Bonded Ability
Regeneration
Relationships
Mother - Lyria, now dead for more than five years, but a caring and affectionate mother while alive. Hakeem always had great respect for her.
Biological Father - Unknown
Adoptive Father - Sultan Adhram, although not necessarily a gentle or loving father figure, was a good role-model for him and tried to form and shape Hakeem from a young boy into a sturdy and trustworthy man for the Prince to depend on.
Milk Brother - Prince Yusuf.
Children - He is the father to seven children and although he is certainly often absent, he cares for all his sons and daughters and ensures they are provided for, their mothers also housed and cared for. He has three daughters and four sons with ages ranging from twenty seven years old to just Six. The Eldest, Yasif, was born when Hakeem was just 21. His mother, Seze, was a serving maid in the castle whom had a clever mind and a good wit and someone whom Hakeem was very close with. She helped him in matters of espionage and was very good at her job. She had been frightened to tell him of his impending fatherhood, not necessarily distrusting him but mindful of what could happen to young mothers out of wedlock. Of course, Hakeem was clever and discovered the truth quickly, immediately reassuring Seze that he would be as good a father as he could ever be, although he could not marry her. She was very happy with this, wanting to maintain her freedom, and Hakeem ensured she was well cared for during and after pregnancy.
Later on Hakeem met and fell in love with a Scholarly woman, a historian of sorts. Her name was Resha and her intellect and passion caught Hakeem completely off guard. He truly regretted his need to remain unmarried most purely because he wanted her to remain beside him, but Resha understood his sense of duty and was perfectly happy to live in the city. Again Hakeem ensured she had a good home and often brought her scrolls an books from the palace. She bore him three children, two of which were actively planned but all of whole they were delighted to have. They, in order of birth, were:
Asha, born in Hakeem's 24th year, a headstrong and vibrant girl who rebelled completely against her father and insisted upon being trained in warfare. Hakeem eventually relented, mostly to make sure she didnt hurt herself.
Hasim, born in Hakeem's 25th year, a determined and vibrant lad who was determined to match his father in prowess and found it very difficult to be both the younger and the lesser fighter to a big sister. He always looked up to his elder half-brother Yasif and the pair were nigh on inseparable.
Amira, born in Hakeem's 28th year, a much quieter and daintier girl than her elder sister, though no less driven. She endeavoured to become a healer, powered on by her mother's academic mindset. Hakeem is particularly proud of her accomplishments.
Resha, though completely loving her children, decided then that she wanted no more and Hakeem was the first to respect her wishes, he himself becoming increasingly busy as he rose higher in rank. For many years after that he was a much less intimate person, relationships with him rarely lasting a week and many often involved men rather than women since he spent so much time in the army. Eventually though, as he rose to the title of Captain, he spent more time in the Palace and amongst politicians and people of power. One of the courtesans of the Palace became pregnant with his child which Hakeem found very concerning since he did not know how well he could protect a prostitute without insisting upon her leaving her trade. He got himself so worked up about it and she actually had to stop him from placing guards in her chambers to ensure her safety. Eventually she managed to sort it out herself, retreating into a less seedy business of masseuses. When she told him he nearly broke down in relief.
She gave him a little boy that they named Rafiq. He was of a gentle temperment and a calm and thoughtful mindset. Resha eagerly agreed to tutor him in what she knew of politics as he got older and he and Hakeem have a very affectionate relationship. He was born when Hakeem was 34.
His final Paramour was a woman whom actually approached him. She was a Lady of great prowess and skill, her husband having died young without giving her any children and leaving her the lordship of a fortress and some outlying villages. Hakeem had defended her and her holds from a band of marauders some years back and she had been grateful and impressed by his initiative. They were not in love but they were good friends and Hakeem found her exceedingly impressive as a person. She gave him a Son and a Daughter. The boy came first, named Zaeed, he was a healthy and happy child who turned into an equally healthy and stalwart lad. Hakeem was already 36 by the time he was born and a hardened and respected military general. No one questioned his illegitimate children nor their mothers and Zaeed became the one to inherit his mother's estate. Some six years later they had another child, a baby girl named Thamina. However as she grew everyone noted her frailty and weakness. She was feverish often and slept long hours. She would sometimes be unable to eat and she became thin and malnourished. This condition of hers was chronic and persistant and no matter the doctors he sought, Hakeem could not find a cure for her. His daughter, Amira, became a carer for the child which indeed improved her condition somewhat. However she predicts that without some treatment, Thamina will die before she is nine years old. This is a deep pain for Hakeem to bear and he feels in greatly at night when he lies awake in the dark and hates his inability to protect his daughter.
Paramours - Hakeem has had many lovers in his life, however he has never thought to marry. A wife, as he sees it, should be protected and placed above all else for she is making herself dependant upon her husband by marrying. Hakeem was never prepared to place so much responsibility elsewhere than the nation. However for every woman whom has born his child, he has ensured she gets a comfortable life and tries to be as much of a father to his many children as possible. His large and disparate family may seem strange to many but it works for him and his lovers and all are relatively happy knowing they can depend upon eachother.
Tara Rial - Rival. One of the greatest assassins of the age, Tara was the one sent to assassinate the Prince Yusuf some five times in the space of ten months. During this time Hakeem lost sleep and spent many hours of the night ensuring the detail upon the Prince was secure. Everytime she found a new way in he repelled her attack and destroyed the entrance she used, which certainly increased the castle's security. He captured her but once, after the third attempt and they argued with eachother in the dungeons of the castle before he had to leave to attend to other matters and she escaped, only knocking out her guards as a gesture of peaceful intentions, although she did leave them in a compromising position for Hakeem to find. The final attack was cunning and aggressive and although Hakeem did manage to repulse it, Tara got a heavy and damaging blow to his midrift. Ever since then he has had a huge scar there and the wound often aches.
Dragon Personality
Veshna is extremely clingy and attached to her human, for she is highly submissive and she hopes her tamer can resolve conflict before they need to step in. When a pink dragon does have to step into a quarrel, however, they are quick, sleight, and devastating in combat. However she really is an anxious and timid little thing, relying heavily on her Tamer for support both mentally and physically. She is quiet and kind with a caring and sympathetic heart and she sees her role as one of nurturing and caring for her nest-mates and their bond-mates.
Dragon Strengths
Veshna is exceedingly durable in all things, able to recover from almost any injury. She uses her scales to heal others very freely, being a selfless type of personality. Her whole demeanour is one of gentleness and she puts everyone she converses with at ease however this does not mean she is naive and although she vehermently dislikes conflict, she knows many awful things may be necessary in the coming war. She is rather cunning and thoughtful, able to carefully form cunning plans and stratagems before exacting them perfectly. Surprisingly she is very good at stealth and ambush tactics, this being the main way she hunts.
Dragon Weaknesses
Veshna is very timid and meek. She dislikes combat intensely and will often shy away from it, letting her Tamer put themselves in danger on her behalf. She may have good ideas but she might not have the courage to express them, considering herself much lesser of a dragon than her nestmates. She is very small and dainty so although she is very difficult to kill, it is not very difficult to harm her and tactics of stealth and cunning are the only truly useful combat techniques she has.
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